Paragliding Over The Best Mountain Ranges In The World

Paragliding Over The Best Mountain Ranges In The World

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11th January 2017

Paragliding just so happens to be one of our favourite things to do whilst abroad (apart from scuba/snorkelling), and we are so lucky to say we’ve experienced it in two of the most incredible place. Over the Alps in Austria, and over the Himalayas in Nepal. Both experiences we as unforgettable as each other.

Pokhara, Nepal

After hearing that the main sport of this town was paragliding, we had a hearts set on it from the moment we booked our flights. There are shops selling paragliding excursions everywhere you look. So you just have to pick a few places that look good (we made sure they had certificates up for safety etc). After you’ve asked around and found the cheapest place, you’re ready! We booked with Fly Nepal and the flight was £70 each which is the cheapest we could find. You can also have the option of paying extra for a video/picture while up there. But if you have a GoPro you are allowed to just take it with you. The flights take part 3 times a day, 9am, 1am and 3am. So it just depends what kind of view you would like to see/how early you can get up! We opted for the 9am flight as they said it would be clearer at this time.

You meet at the shop you booked at usually, and then take an hour bus up to Sarangkot which is where all paragliding places fly from, as it’s the highest point. Don’t expect to take off straight away, as the activity is completely weather dependent. Our flight was delayed around 30mins as there was literally no wind! We were standing around waiting for a big bust of wind to take us off, but it took a while. All the instructors have years and years of experience, so no need to be worried, you’re in safe hands! Just sit back and enjoy the incredible view. It’s also eerily quiet up there, you almost forget where you are!

Once landed (hopefully smoothly) you get back on a bus which will take you back to where you started.

Mayrhofen, Austria

Our experience of paragliding in Mayrhofen was much more spontaneous. We saw a paraglider fly over us as we were heading down the slopes for après ski one day, and instantly went to find out where we could do it! We booked for the next day, which was good as we didn’t have loads of time to think about it and get nervous! It was both our first time and I’m surprised at how chilled we were about it. We took the Gondala up the mountain and checked in and paid at the small desk they have there. It was €60 for a 30min flight or €80 for an hour! We chose an hour, (we are always on a budget!).

You then meet your instructor and lug your parachute up another cable car higher where the take off point is. You get strapped in and the sort of start walking off the mountain, then breaking into a jog the closer you get to the edge. It sounds terrifying, but for some reason we both felt completely calm. I think possibly as you feel so secure, and the guys are super experienced. Once you’re up its amazing and the view of the snowy Alps was just insane. The instructors asked both of us if we wanted to do some loops in the air and we agreed, doing 180 spins in the air wasn’t how I thought our week would turn out! 30mins later and we landed coincidentally right next to our chalet! Our stomachs didn’t really feel ready for the après ski after this!

Thi is SO awesome. In 2015, I went to Sicily. I did paragliding in Agrigento as well. And I loved it.
The view was so beautiful! I enjoyed it a lot and would love to do it again. Though th beginning was a bit scary. But the paragliding itself was something that I will never forget. Wow, a flight of an hour. That is really amazing!

Jogging off the edge of a mountain certainly sounds terrifying! ! However I would love to try paragliding. Just look at those amazing views! I’m definitely going to try this once I work up the courage! Ree love30